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Archive for November, 2010

Continuing in the blogging-about-a-show-that’s-about-to-wrap fashion, I’ve decided to discuss with all 3 of you, this season of Dexter. I just watched the most recent episode, in which, talented, season-long guest star Julia Stiles, playing victim-turned-vigilante “Lumen”, exacts revenge on one of her assailants by applying the Dexter Morgan version of bustin a cap in his ass (yes, there are 6 commas in this sentence).

Now this was an intense episode. The past three episodes, this one included, have all been very intense. This always happens with Dexter. A few of the intro eps are solid, but there’s a lot of set up. Then, once you’re invested, things get incredibly messy and nerve-wracking, and most importantly, they get provocative.

With this season, and the introduction of a character that knows who and what Dexter is, I’ve become an even more invested viewer. I’ve wanted this to happen in the past seasons. I’ve wanted someone to crack his barrier, to join him in his morbid, yet arguably good, quest. I’m happy it’s turned out to be someone that Dexter, the character, can embrace (pun intended). Lumen’s experience and his reaction to that experience has tipped the scale in Dexter’s favor. He’s a mass murderer, yet this season makes him the ultimate likable anti-hero, with a heavy emphasis on hero.

There are only a few episodes left, and it’s unlikely that things will remain on this upward path toward success for Dex. But, at least for now, I’m very happy with this season.

I’m not exactly the biker type. I don’t care too much for skull patches embroidered onto leather jackets or loud, booming tailpipes. In fact, that stuff normally kind of bothers me. So, obviously, I was apprehensive about my brother’s request to catch the FX show Son’s of Anarchy. Before committing, I did a little research. I found showrunner Kurt Sutter’s twitter account and blog. After browsing old blog posts and his somewhat flippant tweets, I decided to give his show a chance.

And, turns out, I’m really glad I did. Sutter is a daring writer. He twists and turns the plot and characters in dynamic ways that keep me engaged and, for lack of a better phrase, on the edge of my seat. He’s thought through these characters, and with the help of his team of writers, he’s made fresh stories that get stronger every week.

This week is the season finale. A 90-minute event that will, hopefully, provide answers and close doors that need to be closed. Will you be watching?

According to the complaint, Cowan and his wife were watching “Dancing with the Stars” when Cowan jumped up and swore as Bristol Palin appeared, saying something about “the (expletive) politics.” Cowan was upset that a political figure’s daughter was on the show when he didn’t think she was a good dancer, the complaint states.

I’m happy for Conan. He had the chance of a lifetime, and his own network screwed him over. Fresh off a nationwide tour, and a quick stop at folk hero status, he got a great deal at a new network and things will finally be, “back to normal.”

I will watch his premiere tonight, but that’s probably it. Here’s why:

Call me crazy, but I never thought he was very funny on the Late Night, or the Tonight Show. He talks over the guests, and his schtick just doesn’t work for me I suppose. But I wish him all the best. And finally, his fans can stop their whining. They took this really personally. Hopefully they stop their talk and follow him to TBS.

I grew up in Wisconsin. (And according to my license, voter registration, and license plates I still live there.) Because I grew up in Madison, America’s favorite mid-western Liberal hub, I am about as blue as can be. As Kathy Griffin once said, “I’m for gun control during gay weddings.”

This is where I’m torn. I love Wisconsin and old-school MTV. He married Rachel from Real World San Francisco for crying out loud! (Points for Duffy!) But I’m not crazy about his Republican politics (Boo Duffy!)

I do wish him well though. Politics aside, he seems like a good guy. Plus, the livelihood and continued success of my state and my country are now his primary responsibility. But at the first sign, the very first sign of idiocy, I’m out. “Wisconsin Liberal” me trumps “Mid-90s Reality Show Fan Girl” me.

Brothers & Sisters – All That Wine – A Small Business Going Under – Dead Father With Secrets + Law & Order – This Sound – Lawyers Making Long Boring Speeches + A Grandpa + A Dead Brother With Secrets + Tom Selleck =

Blue Bloods.

They took out the shitty parts of both shows and smashed the good stuff together. Bravo CBS! I don’t know why none of the other networks figured this out. People love adult siblings and cop shows. Shove them together, throw in a few Sunday dinners and you have a winner.

I really hope another network follows CBS’ lead and does a mash-up of Glee and Grey’s Anatomy. What this country lacks is auto-tuned physicians.